One Square Mile The Public's Radio

For the past 30 years, Westerly Republican Dennis Algiere has represented the 38th District in the state Senate. Now that he's retiring, three candidates making three very different pitches to voters are vying to take his place in what’s become one of the more closely watched races in South County. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, Joe Tasca reports.

Registered Republicans are a minority in Westerly, but the influence of conservative voters on local politics is hardly insignificant in a town where many residents lean right on hot-button issues. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, reporter Joe Tasca spoke with 33-year-old voter Philip DeBartolo. He owns an excavation business and is campaigning for Republican candidate Westin Place in the state’s 38th Senate District. They spoke about gun control, inflation, and political polarization, among other issues.

Voters following the 2022 elections in Westerly are witnessing something they haven’t seen in years. Candidates are widely promoting their support for public access to Rhode Island’s shoreline.

Religion can have a powerful influence on how voters see the world around them and make decisions at the polls. As part of our ongoing series One Square Mile: Westerly, South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes spoke with the Reverend Sunil Chandy of Christ Episcopal Church about how his faith informs his views on overcoming division and improving the political process in America.

Many voters continue to rank political division in America as one of the top issues facing the country today. As part of our ongoing series One Square Mile: Westerly, South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes spoke with local peace activists Madeline Labriola and Frank Thacker about their thoughts on political tensions and the 2022 elections, the issues they care about most, and the role of voting in bringing about social change.

Rhode Islanders have many issues on their minds as we get closer to Election Day. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, we hear today from Danielle Beliveau, a 33-year-old Navy veteran who works at a local bookshop. Reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Beliveau about her priorities this year, her thoughts on political polarization, and the importance of voting.